Lisa Lampanelli Joins List of Celebs Who Have Gotten Bariatric Surgery

You may know Lisa Lampanelli from her stand-up career (she's been on quite a few Comedy Central roasts) or from Celebrity Apprentice (she placed 4th), but now you may know her as something else: successful patient of a sleeve gastrectomy. It's been reported in InTouch Weekly and other publications that she had the procedure in April of this year, saying that "I've tried it all, and there's no shame in taking the next step." Since having the procedure, Lisa Lampanelli has lost 80 pounds and feels "so much healthier."

Ms. Lampanelli in 2011

We here at Dr. Feiz and Associates applaud Ms. Lampanelli for taking the "next step" and reclaiming her health. The procedure she opted for, the gastric sleeve, reduces the size of the stomach surgically. We think this procedure was perfect for Ms. Lampanelli as it not only reduces the capacity for food in the stomach, it also has been shown to reduce the presence of a chemical that causes hunger.

That being said, a gastric sleeve procedure isn't right for every person who is contemplating a lap band procedure.Your unique circumstances could make you a better fit for a lap band or gastric bypass; it really all depends. Luckily, Dr. Feiz is an expert the field of weight loss in Los Angeles and can speak realistically and compassionately to you about your options. Call Dr. Feiz at 800-868-5946 to set up your free consultation to find out what bariatric surgery can do for you.

An Election of Another Sort: Lap Band vs. Gastric Sleeve Surgery

There are two candidates; One is already in place, but the results that candidate promised haven’t really come to fruition (although it’s arguably not the candidate’s fault). The other, the challenger offers solutions of another sort, but there would be some sacrifices. The challenger is dedicated to a quick reduction in the size of the body they will represent.

Before you cast your ballot, make sure you’ve read carefully about the candidates.

Of course this race is between gastric sleeve surgery and another LAP Band to replace the dysfunctional Lap Band you already have in place. If your previous bariatric didn’t make these options clear, or didn’t listen to your medical worries and your weight loss surgery goals, you might be conducting an “election” in your mind. Of course, unlike with the presidential race, there’s the option of choosing neither.

At Dr. Feiz and associates, we don’t often recommend removal without revision if you plan to stay on track toward weight loss. Discomfort with your LAP Band can mean an urgent desire to “just get it out!” but take the long view if you can. Despite the daunting commitment, revision with the gastric sleeve is getting consistently great response from patients.

Doctor, Heal Thyself

It's been a very long time since it was common to see busy doctors chain-smoking as they went through their rounds, but the sad fact of the matter is that many of us docs don't always practice what we preach when it comes to a good diet. The truth of the matter is that no one is perfect all the time and even a pretty good physcian known for his work on weight loss surgery in California (no names!) has been known to indulge in some food items that might be less than completely healthy on rare occasions.

Still, as an article in today's Los Angele Times reminds us, too many doctors regularly indulge in "pizza and burgers" and other highly caloric, high fat foods without much nutritional value -- and with a tendency to producing the kind of serious obesity that all medical professionals are working so hard to combat these days. In fact, a group of researchers have just published a piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), specifically calling on doctors to ban together to get hospitals and other organizations to start eliminating junk foods at cafeterias and elsewhere.

The fact of the matter is that before every lap band in Beverly Hills and sleeve gastrectomy was preceded by decades of usually very unhealthy eating. It's one thing to criticize it, but it's really time those of us in the medical establishment really started leading by example.

Social Media Allows Unprecedented Access to Patient Testimonials

The rise of the internet has been a marvelous thing for those seeking a fuller story on bariatric surgical procedures that they are considering. Ten years ago even, it was hard to get a patient's point of view about an operation and the lifestyle changes they have to face. Now, however, there are many resources available online that are free and accessible, whether it be for lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, or any other type of bariatric procedure.

Blogging, of course, is the most popular way post-bariatric surgery persons share their story. After all, we are blogging now in order to increase the dialogue and knowledge about weight loss procedures. But, also, many of our readers have their own journals online, sharing their personal stories about weight loss (feel free to share your links in the comments!).

There are other resources, too, that put more scrutiny on patients who have gotten bariatric procedures. Stories can be shared on Yelp, people have hosted forums on Reddit, and even whole Twitter accounts are dedicated to shedding some light on what it takes to shed some pounds.

This isn't to say that hopeful patients should diagnose themselves; quite the opposite. Only a consultation with a qualified doctor can help you get a better understanding of the procedures. Dr. Michael Feiz is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in surgeries for weight loss in Los Angeles. His compassionate, realistic approach means that people get the truth about what to expect when it comes to bariatric surgery and realize that it's not a solution in itself. Call his office at (310) 855-8058 for a free consultation.

Bariatric surgery has high rate of preventing Type 2 diabetes

A study recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine discusses the rate of Type 2 diabetes in patients who get bariatric surgery versus those trying to lose weight with diet and exercise. It found that, over a 15 year period, those opting for the weight loss procedure were 80 percent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. The statistic grew to 90 percent when it came to those persons considered prediabetic. These findings don't surprise Dr. Feiz, expert in surgeries for weight loss in Los Angeles. A bariatric procedure is not only a way for patients to reclaim their health; it also is a vital tool for those who have tried everything to lose weight and have felt the consequences of peaks and valleys in their weight loss.lap

The source we read about the study didn't say which bariatric surgeries were included in the study. However, we speculate they were lap band, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. These all have differing benefits and risks; speaking with Dr. Feiz at one of his free consultations can help you determine if any are appropriate for you. One technique he has perfected is the micro lap band surgery, which involves only small incisions that don't leave large scars.

Jets Coach Rex Ryan Lost 106 Pounds with Lap Band Procedure

Celebrities from many walks of life have been coming forward about getting lap band surgery this year; for example, Carnie Wilson (of Wilson Phillips) and Laren Manzo (of the Real Housewives of New Jersey) have recently mentioned having the procedure done and subsequently losing weight. In the past month, a celebrity on the other side of the gender divide has come out about his lap band surgery,  head coach of the New York Jets Rex Ryan. Undergoing the procedure back in March of 2010, he claims he has lost 106 pounds since.

We salute these celebrities for seizing their health and discussing it openly. While a lap band procedure might not be right for every overweight person, this media coverage does shed light on bariatric surgery's place in the national struggle against obesity. Dr. Michael Feiz has been performing bariatric surgeries, including the lap band, in Los Angeles  for years and can help you determine if you are a suitable candidate for any of these procedures. Call his office today for a free consultation at 310-855-8058.

Bariatric Surgery May Not Decrease Bone Density

Studies have shown that people with an increased BMI tend to have higher levels of bone density. Some scientists were worried that bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, would diminish this amount of mineral matter within the bones. This would create a problem as lower bone density is often linked to the risk of fractures, broken bones, and osteoporosis. We here at Dr. Feiz and Associates are happy to read about a recent study, completed at the University of Southampton, that proposes that, at least for the first three years after a bariatric surgery, there is no greater risk for broken bones. There could be, however, a potential for lower bone density after the three years. We will have to wait for more studies on the issue; this is a unique study and it will be interesting to see what other schools and scientists determine.


These concerns and others can be openly discussed with Dr. Feiz, surgeon extraordinaire for bariatric surgeries, like lap band, in Los Angeles. Keeping up to date on important studies like this one means that, during the important post-surgical meetings with Dr. Feiz, he can be sure to closely monitor your health, assuage your fears, and ensure that you are taking care of yourself nutritionally in order to curb loss of bone density. After all, procedures like sleeve gastrectomy are for patients who want to reclaim their health, not diminish it!